The Westerville Division of Police (WPD) is offering two in-person 12-week sessions of the Citizen Police Academy in 2021. In order to accommodate social distancing recommendations, each class will be limited to 12 participants. Classes are held on Thursdays from 6:30-10 p.m. Sessions will be held:

• April 22 - June 17

• Aug. 26 - Oct. 21

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The Citizen Police Academy (CPA) is an extension of the Division’s community education efforts. The purpose of the academy is to increase citizen awareness of the day-to-day operations of the Division by educating the public on topics relative to the role of law enforcement in our community. In return, our department benefits from the wealth of knowledge citizens provide about the issues facing their communities. 

The CPA is a 12 week long session, with classes being held on Thursday evenings from 6:30-10pm.  It is held at the WPD headquarters located at 29 S State St, Westerville, OH.  It is free of charge and open to anyone 18 years of age or older.  Attendees will need to attend 9 of the 12 classes in order to graduate from the program.  

Citizens who live and work in the City of Westerville will be given first preference, however we encourage anyone interested in this program or law enforcement in general to apply by filling out the online application below.  A criminal record and driving status is checked on each applicant. The Westerville Division of Police reserve the right to deny acceptance to persons with a criminal history.  

All instruction is facilitated by officers and certified police instructors. Students are instructed on topics including:

• Organizational Structure

• Drug Investigation

• Traffic Enforcement

• Patrol Operations and equipment

• Crime Prevention 

• Community Engagement

• "Use of Force" Policy 

• Animal Control

• Communications “9-1-1” center

• Officer Training 

• Search and seizure

• Community Programs

• Tactical Unit/SWAT 

• Recruitment/Hiring process

Students also participate in the following activities:

• Mock building searches

• Officer "Ride-along"

• Simulated traffic stops

Our hope that graduates of the Citizen Police Academy take their knowledge into the community, educate others, and find value in the overall experience. For more info, contact:                                                                                                       

Officer John Jeffries • john.jeffries@westerville.org • (614) 901-6472